Forty years after the Chicano Moratoriums, Chicana activists Geraldine Zapata (left) and Irene Tovar (right) take a moment to celebrate their friendship at the ‘Ruben Salazar: A People’s Journalist’ panel discussion held at the "A People's History" exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute (Olvera Street) last Sunday. The exhibit itself closes this Sunday. (EGP photo by Gloria Angelina Castillo)

Friday, August 27
8pm—Teatro Urbano’s “The Silver Dollar” at Corazon Del Pueblo in Boyle Heights: 2003 E. 1st. St, L.A. The play is fictional account of the events at the Silver Dollar Bar in East L.A. during the Chicano Moratorium on Aug. 29, 1970 leading to the killing of journalist Ruben Salazar by the police. More performances on Aug. 28, 29, & Sept. 3, 4, 10, 11. Donation: $13 Adults; $10 Students w/I.D; $7 Seniors & Children. For information and reservations call (323) 261-5215.

Saturday, August 28
10am-Noon—March Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the August 29th Chicano Moratorium. Join the ‘United Committees for the Moratorium’ at Belvedere Park: the march will begin at the corner of 1st Street and Mednik Avenue, and end at Salazar Park (Whittier & Alma). For more information, email Xicanomc@yahoo.com or call (213) 880-0970 or (213) 712-0370.

9am-4pm “Conferencia de Historia México and the Southwest (History of Mexico and the Southwest Conference)” at the Casa Del Mexicano: 2900 Calle Pedro Infante, L.A. 90023. Conference speakers include Sal Castro, and David Sanchez, among others. The event is free. For more information email davidsanchez@webtv.net.

2-10pm—The “TASTE OF EAST LA,” presented by the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the 40th Anniversary Commemoration Committee of the Chicano Moratorium at the East Los Angeles Civic Center — is a celebration of history and culture that will include live entertainment and great food from over 20 of the best restaurants in East LA. Enjoy dinner followed by a Chicano Rock concert from 4-10pm, featuring “Los Illegals,” “Cava” and other groups. For more information, contact the East LA Chamber at (323) 722-2005 or email: elacoc@pacbel.net.

Sunday, August 29
10am—Chicano Moratorium March and Procession. Meet at the former ‘Silver Dollar’ location 4945 Whittier Blvd, East Los Angeles, 90022. For more information email davidsanchez@webtv.net

Photo of Chicano activist, one of many displayed at "A People’s History: Faces, Struggles and Accounts of the Chicano Moratoriums” at the Mexican Cultural Institute (Olvera Street). It closes this Sunday.

Noon to 6 p.m. —Closing day of “A People’s History: Faces, Struggles and Accounts of the Chicano Moratoriums” at the Mexican Cultural Institute (Olvera Street), 125 Paseo de la Plaza in downtown LA. Admission is free. Exhibit is open Wednesdays-Sundays from Noon to 6pm. For more info, contact the “40th Anniversary Commemoration Committee of the Chicano Moratoriums” via email at chicano.moratorium@gmail.com, phone (323) 229-1994, or visit their Web site at http://chicanomoratorium.org.

1pm—Screening and Q&A on “Since Salazar,” a documentary short co-directed by Leilani Montes & Victoria Fong. The film will be shown in remembrance of the National Chicano Moratorium of August 29, 1970 held in East LA. The programs will take place at the Ruben Salazar Park Senior Citizen Center, located at 3864 Whittier Blvd, LA 90023. For more information, call Axayacatzin Montalvo at (323) 564-7894.

Today, Aug. 26 at 6pm—Tribute to the Beatles,” a three-day, free festival on the Santa Monica Pier, kicks off tonight with performances by “Elva” and “Led Zepagain,” and continues the British Invasion Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm with live entertainment, Kids Zone at Pacific Park, beer & food, Beatles movies, Beatles karaoke, and lots of Beatles memorabilia and merchandise. A special added feature is the “Ticket to Ride” musical on Saturday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. at Barnum Hall. Chris Carter of ‘Breakfast with the Beatles’ on 95.5 KLOS will host of the event. Tickets are available for $25 at all ticket master locations. Event benefits the Bob Hope USO Greater Los Angeles Area. EGP News is a sponsor. For more information on the event please visit www.tpclive.com or call (213) 219-1060.

Today, Thursday, August 26

Noon-1:30pm—Discussion on the “The Future of Figueroa Corridor,”hosted by the Kiwanis & the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. The North Figueroa Association will discuss plans for the commercial corridor with input from local merchants and the greater community. This is the first in a series of community meetings, hosted by the Kiwanis Club to engage the community in the future economic development of Highland Park. The meeting is free, lunch is $6 at the door. Call Heinrich Keifer at (323) 385-4935 to reserve your seat.

7-9pm—‘La Nueva California: Latinos in the Golden State’ by David Hayes Bautista at the National Autonomous University of Mexico LA Satellite Campus (UNAM-LA) symposium. The event is free and will be held at the Old Timers Foundation located at 3355 E. Gage Ave, Huntington Park, 90262. For more information call (213) 627-3930 or (213) 623-8019.

Friday, August 27

4:30-9pm—Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park Free Summer Concert featuring “Mr. Vallenato” – Traditional cumbia and Columbian vallenato. Levitt Pavilion is located 2230 West 6th St., LA 90057. Parking along the side streets. For more information, call (213) 384-5701 or log on to www.levittla.org.

7pm—Commerce Summer Movie Night at Bandini Park: “Planet 51” is the featured film. Starts at dusk. Free and open to the public. Bandini Park is located at 4725 Astor Ave, Commerce, 90040. For more information, call (323) 264-5045.

7:30-10:30pm—Fusion Fridays at Pacific Asia Museum Summer Nights 2010. Enjoy an evening in 1930’s Shanghai co-hosted by the Asian Professional Exchange and the museum’s Chinese Arts Council. Program features China Modern: Designing Popular Culture 1910-1970. Cocktail or 1930’s attire. Open bar/Food for sale. $10 members /$20 general admission in advance, $20 at door. Space is Limited. The Museum is located at 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101. For more information, call (626) 449-2742 or visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

Saturday, August 28

4-5pm—‘Fresh From the Garden’ presentation at Milagro Allegro Community Garden. Learn all about growing and eating tomatoes. The garden is located at 115 S. Ave 56, LA 90042: one block SE of Figueroa, behind the Highland Theater. For more information visit www.hpgarden.org

2-6pm—5th Annual Back-To-School and Health Resource Fair presented by ?Junior Blind of America. The fair for children ages 3-18 will include backpack give-away, activities, resource booths for persons with special needs, and free dental and medical screenings for children and health seminars for adults. Fair will be held at 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd, LA 90010. For more information, email info@specialneedsnetwork.org or call (323) 295-4555.

10am-5pm—‘Tinanguis Cultural’ at Xokolatl Café. Includes a live music performance, children’s corner with arts & crafts, and a raffle every hour. Xokolatl Café is located at 4987 N. Huntington Dr, LA 90032. For more information, call (323) 441-8400.

6-8pm—Concerts in the Park at the Eagle Rock Recreation Center. The free event includes live music, kids activities, community resources and informational booths. The center is located at 1100 Eagle Rock Dr. For more information, call the CD-14 Northeast office at (323) 254-5295.

Monday, August 30

6-8pm—Resurrection Neighborhood Watch meeting. LAPD officers and detectives will provide crime updates relevant to the Hollenbeck Division. Residents are welcome to discuss crime and other quality of life issues in their neighborhoods. Resurrection Church is located at 3324 Opal St., LA 90023.

Tuesday, August 31

6-11pm—Go Metro to the L.A. Skate Film festival at the Downtown Independent Theatre on 251 S. Main St. in downtown L.A. Festival includes filmmakers’ videos on the industry, culture, and history of skateboarding. Nominated movies will be publicly screened today and. Wednesday, Sept. 1. Tickets are $12; Show a valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or Destination Discounts card and get $1 off. Tickets available on a first come first serve basis and sold at the door. For more information check out thelaskatefilmfestival.com. For directions, go to metro.net or call 1-800-COMMUTE.

Wednesday, September 1

5-8pm—“Commerce Families Go Back to School” at the Greenwood Library and Greenwood Community Church. The festive family program features story times, raffles, refreshments, and helpful information for students’ families as they return to school in the fall. The Library and the Church are located at the intersection of Gage and Greenwood Avenues. Parking at Veteran’s Park with free shuttle service to the event. For more information, call Hector Magallon at (562) 927-1516 or visit www.cocpl.org.

Upcoming/Ongoing Events

The Northeast Los Angeles Faith-Based Leadership Unity Coalition will hold its Leadership Meeting on Friday, Sept. 3 at the Pillar of Fire Church, located at 4900 N. Figueroa St.,in Highland Park. Meeting starts with a community prayer at 9am, followed by the conference from 10am to Noon. At 10 am on Saturday, Sept. 4, the coalition will present its 5th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Give-Away (while supplies last) at Iglesia Pentecostal Esmirna: 5414 N. Figueroa St. For more information, call Pastor Randy Carrillo at (323) 470-9383 or email him at pazran@yahoo.com

Abraham Lincoln High Class of 1990 will hold its 20 Year Reunion Dinner Cruise on “The Spirit of Newport,” Newport harbor on Sat. Sept 18 from 6; 30-11:30pm. $75 per person. To RSVP or for more information, e-mail: panacentraleaj@yahoo.com or call (909) 232-4480.

Belvedere Park is now offering Zumba classes on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 10am and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8pm. Classes are $3 per session. Belvedere Park is located at 4801 E. 3rd St. LA, 90022. For more information, call (323) 260-2361.

“Commerce to College Fair” on Sept. 18 from 10am to 2pm at Veterans Park. Students and parents can attend informational workshops with college and university representatives and guest speakers. Veterans Park is located at 6364 Zindell Ave. For more information, call (323) 722-6660 or visit www.cocpl.org.

Announcements

Volunteers can still sign up for the ‘School Pride’ Hollenbeck Middle School makeover, a week-long project that will be recorded for a television show. (Concludes Sat., Aug. 28). General volunteers and skilled volunteers are needed. For more information, visit http://www.schoolpridevolunteers.com/form_hollenbeck.php

To submit an event or an announcement for publication in the Community Calendar, e-mail EGP News at calendar@egpnews.com.

Mexican-Americans who live in Los Angeles and whose birthday falls on Sept. 16 are being invited to help mark Mexico’s bicentennial anniversary by posing for a picture.
The “200 Faces, 200 Years” photograph will feature 200 Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who share Mexico’s anniversary. It will be taken on Plaza Olvera in El Pueblo, the birthplace of Los Angeles.

The photo will serve as a historical account of the bicentennial in Los Angeles. The project is being sponsored by the Mexican Consulate and Avocados from Mexico. There are plans to donate reprints of “200 Faces, 200 Years,” to cultural institutions and local organizations to provide an opportunity for the community to view and appreciate the photo.

“The Mexican Bicentennial is a proud day for Mexicans and people of Mexican descent all over the world,” said Emiliano Escobedo, Marketing Director, Avocados from Mexico. “We are thrilled to be organizing and sponsoring 200 Faces, 200 Years, featuring Mexican-Americans in Los Angeles and memorializing this historic day for years to come.”

To participate in 200 Faces, 200 Years, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans born on September 16th can log on to www.avocados.com/photo or submit their name, birthdate, email address, phone number and a photo to: Avocados from Mexico, c/o CRT/tanaka, 8733 Sunset Blvd., Suite 205, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Scores continued creeping upward for Los Angeles Unified students on the California High School Exit Exam, with 72 percent of 10th-graders passing the math portion of the test and 73 percent passing the English section, according to test results released today. Those scores bested the marks posted by 10th-graders last year, when 70 percent passed the math portion and 71 percent passed English, according to the California Department of Education.

Statewide, the pass rate was 81 percent for both the Math and English portions of the exam.

LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines said 62 percent of the district’s 10th graders passed both the math and English portions of the test – an 18 point increase since 2003-04.

“Once again, our upward trend in student achievement continues,” Cortines said. “I want to commend our students, administrators and entire school community for thriving and aspiring despite the numerous obstacles and challenges they faced last year.”
Cortines said that LAUSD, compared to other urban districts in the state, had the second-highest gains over the past seven years, with only Pasadena faring better.

“I want to congratulate seven high schools – Belmont, Southeast, Polytechnic, Arleta, Los Angeles, Elizabeth and Contreras – that have increased pass rates by 20 percent or more for 10th graders over the past four years,” he said. “These schools should be commended for their efforts, and their practices at these schools should be shared with other schools to increase the pass rates.”

According to the CDE, 94.5 percent of students in the class of 2010 passed the overall exam, up from 90.6 percent last year.

”I am pleased that the latest Exit Exam results show that more of our students are mastering the mathematics and English-language arts skills measured by this exam,” said Jack O’Connell, state Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Passing the Exit Exam is a high school graduation requirement because students need these important basic skills to be successful in college, the workforce and in life.”

All students in California must take the exit exam during their sophomore year. They have two more opportunities to pass it in the 11th grade and three chances as seniors.

The class of 2006 was the first graduating class in California that was required to meet the exit exam requirement. O’Connell noted that the results showed the achievement gap between black/Hispanic students and Asian/white students was narrowing. By the end of their senior years, 89.7 percent of black students and 91.6 percent of Hispanic students had passed the exam, compared with 97.4 percent of Asian students and 98.1 percent of white students, according to the state.

“I applaud the hard work of our students, teachers and school staff that has resulted in the gap narrowing, but we cannot rest until it is fully erased and all students are meeting their full potential,” O’Connell said.

Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Darline P. Robles will retire effective next Monday, Aug. 30, after serving in the position since 2002. Robles is the first woman and Latina to serve in the post.

“I leave with the satisfaction that through collaborative efforts with school leaders, classroom teachers and educational partners, we have achieved positive outcomes for students and made important strides toward closing the achievement gap,” Robles said Friday in announcing her retirement.

As superintendent, Robles focused on at-risk and special needs students in schools run by the county Office of Education. She also directed significant levels of services to cash-strapped districts, focusing in particular on low-performing schools and districts.

Robles also led a reorganization of the office’s Head Start preschool program that drew praise from federal officials.

Robles was named one of the nation’s top 100 influential Hispanic Americans in the October 2009 issue of Hispanic Business magazine.

Robles began her career as a student teacher with the Office of Education. After holding various classroom and administrative positions with the Montebello Unified School District, she became the district’s superintendent in 1992, saving it from a state takeover by returning it to financial stability within two years.

A barricade situation in Boyle Heights ended peacefully Tuesday when two men were taken into custody without incident, police said.

The standoff outside a house at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and Stone Street began about 11:30 p.m. Monday after police responded to a shots fired call, said Los Angeles police Sgt. Al Ramos of the Hollenbeck Division.

“The suspect fired rounds in the air and then retreated inside the home when police arrived,” Ramos said.

The alleged shooter tentatively identified as Junior Campos – although Ramos said that name has not yet been verified — remained inside of the house along with his brother and was seen loading a weapon by officers at the scene.

A perimeter was set up around the house and sharpshooters were brought to the scene as police attempted to contact the suspect, Ramos said.

“We finally made contact with him from here at the station and convinced him to surrender peacefully,” Ramos said.

The incident ended about 1:25 a.m. No shots were fired and no one was injured, Ramos said.

The suspect and his brother, who remained inside the house during the two-hour standoff, were taken into custody, Ramos said.

The LAPD watch commander said the suspect initially was wanted for firing rounds into the air, but he was unsure what charges the suspect and his brother might face as a result of this incident.

A man was fatally shot in East Los Angeles on Sunday, a sheriff’s deputy said.

Authorities were notified of the shooting death in the 300 block of North Sunol Drive at 3:11 a.m., said Deputy Robert Boese.

The victim was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead, Boese said. There was no other immediate information.

The crime scene was near Obregon County Park, northwest of Eastern Avenue at Third Street.

In a separate incident, homicide detectives are investigating the case of a man found fatally shot in East Los Angeles on Aug. 18.

The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. in the 1000 block of Rowan Avenue, near the Santa Ana (5) Freeway, a watch sergeant at the sheriff’s East Los Angeles Station said. Deputies arrived and found the victim lying on the front steps of the location, with multiple gun shot wounds, a deputy at the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau said.

The man was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, sheriff’s Sgt. Anna Diviak said.

Witnesses told investigators they saw the victim standing in front of the location, when he was approached by a man who shot him.

Diviak urged anyone with information about the shooting to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

City officials warned businesses and residents last week against dumping large amounts of trash illegally, noting that the fines for such violations have gone up.

Under an ordinance that took effect last month, the Bureau of Street Services has the power to issue administrative citations for “illegal dumping.” Fines have been increased to $500, $750 and $1000 for each successive violation in a 12-month period. A fourth violation would result in criminal prosecution as a misdemeanor offense.

Councilman Jose Huizar said illegal dumping costs the city about $12 million a year.

Rev. Father Richard Estrada of Our Lady Queen of Angeles Church underwent open-heart surgery on Aug. 5 and is said to be recovering nicely.

According to Estrada, the 5-hour-long surgery to replace a heart-valve was not an emergency, and is related to a heart condition he has had since a child, but only recently decided it was time to take corrective measures.

“In June or May I began feeling tired, I couldn’t walk because I was out of breath,” he told EGP on Monday. “So I decided it was time.”

Estrada, whose parish is located in La Placita Olvera, is known for defending a wide range of causes including immigrant, LGBT and labor rights. He is now walking his dog three times a day for ten minutes each time, working up to being able to walk for an hour, he said.

While he plans to take it easy and vacation during his 6-8 weeks of recovery, he says angelenos may still catch sight of him at community events and press conferences.

The Bell Gardens City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to support the Dream Act and approved an application for a grant that would help the city address its greenhouse gas emissions.

Councilmember Sergio Infanzon, himself an immigrant, introduced the resolution supporting the Dream Act.

The Dream Act is a proposed federal legislation that would provide a path to legal residency for undocumented immigrants who graduate from a US high school and either go on to graduate from a university or serve in the armed forces. In the House of Representatives, the bill is called the American Dream Act (H.R. 1751), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), who represents Bell Gardens, is one of three congress members who introduced the bill.

“Sergio believes that with the proper tools and resources a person can create opportunities that will open doors to become better individuals and benefit society, and he is committed to provide those tools and resources to every resident of Bell Gardens,” states Infanzon’s profile on the city’s website.

The council on Tuesday also approved submitting a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program. The grant is a competitive state grant funded by Proposition 84. The grant awards will be announced in October.

According to the Bell Gardens staff report, the grant would help the city develop the Bell Gardens General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments that ultimately would help create a more sustainable community and revitalize land uses. Specifically, the funds could help develop objectives and policies to address green house gas emissions and conservation, it would also be used to support zoning code updates and regulated standards.